While the Bible doesn’t directly address underage drinking, it does discuss moderation and respect for laws. Believers are encouraged to approach alcohol responsibly and obey the guidelines set by their communities. These teachings emphasize self-control and honoring the rules that protect young people.
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What Does The Bible Say About Underage Drinking
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
This verse warns against the dangers of alcohol, emphasizing that those who are deceived by it are not wise. It highlights the negative consequences that can come from indulging in strong drink, such as mockery and rage.
1 Corinthians 6:10
“Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse lists drunkenness as one of the sinful behaviors that would prevent someone from inheriting the kingdom of God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of avoiding the pitfalls of excessive drinking.
Proverbs 23:31-32
“Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.”
These verses caution against the allure of wine and the temptation to indulge in it. They highlight the deceptive nature of alcohol, comparing its effects to that of a biting serpent and an adder.
Galatians 5:21
“Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
In this verse, drunkenness is mentioned as one of the works of the flesh that would disqualify someone from inheriting the kingdom of God. It emphasizes the importance of practicing self-control and avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol.
Ephesians 5:18
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”
This verse encourages believers to avoid the excesses of wine and instead be filled with the Holy Spirit. It urges a focus on spiritual fulfillment rather than seeking satisfaction or escape through alcohol.
Proverbs 31:4
“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink.”
This verse advises leaders, such as kings and princes, against the consumption of wine and strong drinks. It emphasizes the importance of clear-mindedness and the ability to make wise decisions in positions of authority.
Proverbs 31:6-7
“Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.”
These verses acknowledge that there may be instances where alcohol is used to provide temporary relief or comfort to those in desperate circumstances. However, it also implies that such use is not appropriate for those who are not in such dire situations.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
This verse urges believers to be sober and vigilant, as the devil is always looking for opportunities to lead people astray. It highlights the importance of maintaining a clear mind and avoiding the influence of substances that impair judgment.
Titus 2:3
“The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things.”
In this verse, older women are encouraged to exhibit behavior that reflects holiness and to abstain from excessive wine consumption. It underscores the role of older women as teachers of good things and the importance of setting a positive example.
Romans 13:13
“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.”
This verse calls believers to live honest lives, free from riotous behavior, including drunkenness. It emphasizes the need to avoid engaging in activities fueled by alcohol that can lead to strife and discontentment.
1 Timothy 3:2-3
“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous.”
These verses outline the qualities expected of a bishop or church leader, including the requirement to be sober and avoid excessive wine consumption. It emphasizes the importance of leaders being examples of self-control and integrity.
Proverbs 23:20-21
“Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.”
These verses caution against associating with those who are addicted to wine and indulgent in excessive eating. They highlight the negative consequences that can arise from such behaviors, such as poverty and a lack of personal discipline.
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
This verse warns against the dangers of alcohol, emphasizing that those who are deceived by it are not wise. It highlights the negative consequences that can come from indulging in strong drink, such as mockery and rage.
Isaiah 5:11
“Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!”
These words of warning in Isaiah rebuke those who eagerly pursue strong drink from morning till night, allowing themselves to be inflamed by wine. It serves as a reminder of the perils of uncontrolled and excessive drinking.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.'”
This verse cautions against the influence of negative company and the potential for corrupting good morals. It can be applied to the dangers of being in the company of individuals who encourage or engage in underage drinking.
Proverbs 6:27-28
“Can a man scoop a flame into his lap and not have his clothes catch on fire? Can he walk on hot coals and not blister his feet?”
These rhetorical questions in Proverbs illustrate the foolishness of engaging in behaviors that are bound to have harmful consequences. It serves as a powerful reminder of the risks associated with underage drinking.
1 Timothy 5:23
“No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.”
In this verse, Paul advises Timothy to consume a little wine for the sake of his stomach and ailments. However, it is important to note that this passage is specific to Timothy’s situation and not a blanket endorsement for all individuals, especially underage ones, to consume alcohol.
Ephesians 5:15-18
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
These verses encourage believers to approach life with wisdom, discerning the Lord’s will and making the most of every opportunity. It explicitly advises against getting drunk on wine, highlighting the destructive path it can lead to, and instead encourages believers to be filled with the Spirit.
Proverbs 23:29-30
“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.”
These verses depict the negative consequences and outcomes of lingering over wine and indulging excessively in mixed drinks. They serve as a vivid reminder of the potential woes and sorrows that accompany inappropriate alcohol consumption.
Romans 14:21
“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
In this verse, Paul addresses the importance of considering the impact of one’s actions on others. It implies that if underage drinking were to cause stumbling or harmful influence for others, it is better to avoid it altogether. It emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing the well-being of fellow believers over personal desires.
Psalm 104:14-15
“He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the service of man, that he may bring forth food from the earth, and wine that makes glad the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread which strengthens man’s heart.”
This verse acknowledges the creation of wine by God as something that brings joy to the heart of man. However, it is important to note that this verse does not condone underage drinking but rather highlights the blessings and enjoyment that can come from the moderate and appropriate consumption of wine.
John 2:1-11
“On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.’ So they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.'”
This passage recounts the famous wedding at Cana where Jesus miraculously turned water into wine. While this event showcases Jesus’ power and the provision of wine for a joyful occasion, it is crucial to note that this does not promote or justify underage drinking. The focus here should be on the miraculous element of the story and the significance of Jesus’ actions rather than the consumption of alcohol.
Matthew 26:29
“But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
In this verse, Jesus refers to the Last Supper, stating that He will not partake in the fruit of the vine until the day when He will drink it anew with His followers in His Father’s kingdom. It highlights the anticipation of a future time of celebration and fellowship, rather than promoting the immediate consumption of wine.
1 Peter 4:3-4
“For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.”
These verses serve as a reminder that as believers, we are called to live differently from the world. It discourages engagement in the sinful activities associated with drunkenness and warns against succumbing to peer pressure. It encourages standing strong in one’s faith despite facing ridicule or abuse from those who do not understand the Christian lifestyle.